Nu-Way, still in its original spot, hasn't changed much over the years

Nu-Way

Originally opened in 1938, the Nu-Way Lounge and Restaurant on Kennedy St. in Spartanburg, will celebrate its 75th anniversary this weekend with a series of fun activities, including music and a raffle.

Published: Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 3:15 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.

Remember the theme song for the popular 1980s TV sitcom “Cheers”? You know, the one that expressed a desire to go “where everybody knows your name.”

Perhaps no place in Spartanburg better exemplifies that sentiment than the Nu-Way Restaurant and Lounge.

The venerable eating and drinking establishment is somewhat of a local institution, a place where a wide cross-section of the community routinely gathers for good times and top-notch entertainment.

Originally opened in 1938, the Nu-Way will celebrate its 75th anniversary this weekend with a series of fun activities, including music and a raffle.

Seventy-five years is a long time for any business to last, but what makes the Nu-Way particularly special is that it has operated in the same building at 373 E. Kennedy St. since the beginning and is known as Spartanburg's oldest continuously running restaurant and bar.

“It hasn't really changed that much, and you just feel comfortable going in there,” said Becky Myers, who has owned the Nu-Way since 2005 and has worked there since the late 1990s. “It gives you a sense of security to see that same old wood paneling that's been up there for 75 years.”

In a rapidly changing world, a visit to the Nu-Way can often seem like a step back in time. The no-frills ambiance, coupled with a fiercely loyal customer base, gives the restaurant and lounge a relaxed neighborhood feel.

“One of the great things about the Nu-Way is that it has always played toward the locals and the people of Spartanburg,” Myers said. “We have a great staff and regulars who have kept us going for so long. I think everybody has a Nu-Way story.”

Music for the 75th anniversary celebration will be provided by Rev. Syd & the Homewreckers on Friday and the Shane Pruitt Band on Saturday.

“Shane's been playing the Nu-Way for as long as I can remember, so I wanted him and those guys to be part of the celebration,” Myers said. “And Sydney McMath (Rev. Syd) is a great friend of mine who I just love to hear sing.”

Starting today, the Nu-Way will begin distributing tickets for a raffle in which proceeds will benefit the Spartanburg Humane Society. Tickets can be purchased for $5 or obtained for free with a donation of an item from the Humane Society's “wish list,” which includes non-clumping cat litter, dog and cat food and other basic animal necessities.

Myers said that local businesses and individuals have donated several prize items, which range from gift certificates to an original painting of the Nu-Way.

Raffle winners will be announced at 7 p.m. Saturday at an event hosted by “Bootleg Bill” and “Moonshiner Josh” of the Discovery Channel's “Moonshiners” series fame.

The Nu-Way will also introduce four new sandwiches this weekend: the Bullseye Burger, the Redneck Philly, the Trailer Park Melt and the White Trash Burger.

“Back when (the Nu-Way) first opened in 1938, that's all you could get there — beer and hot dogs,” Myers said. “So, we're paying a little homage to the guys who started it.”

Myers is encouraging all former Nu-Way employees to stop by Saturday.

“We're going to have a banner for everybody who has ever worked at the Nu-Way to sign,” Myers said. “There are so many people who have worked here who have contributed to it still being around, and I'd love to meet as many of them as possible.”

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